How to Celebrate the Holidays Safely

The holidays are best spent having a good time with friends and family. Unfortunately, every year there are thousands of injuries and even deaths associated with seasonal decorations. As you prepare to celebrate with your loved ones, make safety first on your check list to avoid fires, falls, and other accidents. Use the safety tips below to avoid accidents this season.

Trees and decorations:

If you're buying a live tree make sure it's fresh and moist. The needles should be hard to pull out of the tree and shouldn't fall out easily when the tree's jostled and the bottom of the tree should be sticky with resin.

When you set up your tree, place it in an open area away from heat sources like fireplaces, vents, and radiators. Heated rooms dry out live trees and dried-out trees are a fire hazard, so monitor water levels closely and keep the stand filled with water for a longer-lasting tree.

If you're buying an artificial tree, it may seem obvious but make sure it's labeled "Fire Resistant."

If you have small children at home, avoid trimmings with small removable parts when you're decorating your tree. Also say no to decorations that resemble candy that may be tempting to children and sharp, heavy, and breakable ones like glass ornaments.

Candles:

Make sure you place burning candles where you can see them and to extinguish them before you leave the room, go to bed, or leave the house.

Keep candles on flat, stable, and heat resistant surfaces out of reach and away from places where children or pets can knock them over.

Lighted candles should be kept away from items that can catch fire, like trees, wreaths, curtains, furniture, and decorations.

Lights:

Make sure indoor and outdoor lights have been tested for safety by a nationally recognized testing laboratory such as Underwriters laboratories (UL). For decorative indoor lights look for UL's green holographic label and for outdoor lights check for UL's red holographic label.

Check new or reused lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires or loose connections, and throw out damaged sets. Don't use electric lights on a metallic tree.

Make sure extension cords are rated for their intended use and are in good condition. Don't overload cords or use them if they're cut or frayed.

Test all smoke detector and alarms to make sure they're working properly and consider adding a fire alarm to your home security system.

Turn off all lights and electrical decorations before you leave the house or go to bed.

Fireplaces:

Take steps to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning by having a qualified technician inspect fuel-burning appliances at least once a year and by including a CO detector in your home. Remember CO is odorless, colorless, and tasteless so it doesn't give off any warning.

Don't burn gift-wrapping paper or other holiday trash in the fireplace. It can ignite suddenly and intensely.

Be careful when using "fire salts" to produce colored flames. They contain heavy metal that can cause internal irritation and vomiting if swallowed.

During this season, enjoy spending time with those you care for and most importantly keep them free from harm by following these safety tips. Be careful when handling candles, lights, fireplaces and trees and decorations. A happy holiday is a safe one.